What's a good cheap commuter car? Update: the search is over

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S

Stark

Diamond Member
Jun 16, 2000
7,735
0
0
Last night my wife and I decided to check out economy cars. My '91 Volvo 740 isn't the most reliable car in the world and when something breaks, it usually costs me at least $500. Normally we drive her '02 Passat on the weekends and vacation trips, so the second car just needs to get me to work. The budget is < $15k.

She suggested we test drive the Toyota Echo. So we did. That is the biggest piece of crap I've driven in years. We also drove a Corolla. Very uninspiring. Then we went down to Honda and drove the new hybrid civic (the car I want). Not bad, but it feels like a civic and and the cvt was very strange. You'd floor it and nothing happened, no drop into a lower gear to accellerate, the car just gradually got faster.

So what are some other good budget cars to look at?

see update below
 
StageLeft

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
I agree that the Echo is a piece of crap. Worse drive I've had in years and I've driven a lot of crappy cars.

If you don't like a corolla I'm sure you'd find the civic equally uninspiring. What about a sentra? Really though they are all very similar cars.
 
S

StattlichPassat

Banned
Jan 9, 2002
5,232
0
0
Late 90s Volkswagen Jetta GLX-VR6 or pre-owned late-model Jetta turbo. You can find a GREAT one for under $15k. :)

Try this on for size- I'd rather get the 1.8T for sure, and with a black leather interior, but that's just me. Hunt for new-style Jettas with 1.8Ts and you'll be very satisfied.
 
J

Jzero

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
18,834
1
0
I think you're going to have a hard time finding an "inspiring" new car for under $15k. $15k buys you little when it comes to luxury and/or power.
I love my Civic, and I think it's a great car for $14k but a 7-series it is not.
You could get the Hyundai Sonata which almost looks like a luxury car, but I think you'd still be unimpressed with its driving qualities, and probably equally unimpressed with the stigma the label still carries.
 
T

tontod

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
3,244
0
71
Try out the Hyundai Elantra. Its a very nice car for under $15k. Yes, I know its a Hyundai, but their reliability has been great lately. I own a 98 Elantra, its been running great for the 1.5 years that I've had it.
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,942
403
136
If Dodge Neon's were suck POS's I'd recommend them but I won't.

How about a used VW Jetta?

If I were to buy new I'd seriously check out the 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE (automatic) which can be had for $12,888.00 locally, or get a manual and save around $800.

Automatic w/ 7 speaker audio system

1.8 litre engine
AM/FM/CD
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Tilt Wheel
Cruise Control
Micro Air Filter
Remote Keyless Entry
Floor Mats
 
H

hoihtah

Diamond Member
Jan 12, 2001
5,183
0
76
when comparing between automatic vs manual transmission...

keep in mind... while manual transmission may save you money up front...
you'll eventually have to get your clutch replaced...
which will cost you money.

so the way i see it... get the transmission that you like.
cost wise... i don't see much difference.
either you pay up front... or you pay later.
 
B

beer

Lifer
Jun 27, 2000
11,169
1
0
Escort coupe. It has the 130 hp Zetec, and that engine powers my much larger (and very slow) Contour, so shave off 500 lbs and it might be decent.
 
J

Jfrag Teh Foul

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
3,146
0
0
Mini! :D

At least that is going to be my next commuter car.

They start out around 16k and if you get a decent trade you could get around the price tag you're looking to spend.
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,942
403
136
Originally posted by: Jfrag
Mini! :D

At least that is going to be my next commuter car.

They start out around 16k and if you get a decent trade you could get around the price tag you're looking to spend.
Click to expand...

Great now NFS4's radar is going off and he'll be here at any minute ... red alert red alert!

:D
 
The Stigenator

The Stigenator

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
15,216
3
81
For under 15K I would suggest:

Hyundia Elantra, Kia Optima (its a Hyundia/Kia partnership), Suzuki Aerio (drove one really nice. Seats need a bit of getting used to but nice and comfy for the price.

Or check your local paper sometimes you get corollas for about 13K.
 
T

Tominator

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,559
1
0
You might compare the ZX2 with the old escort but only the basic platform is the same. The motor ROCKS seriously!

This car has such a great rep for reliability, performance and sheer fun it was not discontinued along with it's sibling.

It is a very good car. Go drive one!
 
S

Stark

Diamond Member
Jun 16, 2000
7,735
0
0
keep in mind... while manual transmission may save you money up front...
you'll eventually have to get your clutch replaced...
which will cost you money.

so the way i see it... get the transmission that you like.
cost wise... i don't see much difference.
either you pay up front... or you pay later.
Click to expand...

The last stick I had was a late 90's integra. When you hit the gas, it went. I test drove the corolla with a stick and it just isn't the same. You hit the gas and it sort of thinks about accellerating. So I'll probably just get an auto.

And I know the hybrid isn't exactly cheap, but it's cool. It's the only car review I've ever seen on a tech site (ars). The mini is another cool possiblity. With either one of those I would a few year and let them work the bugs out before buying.

The ford escort is a possiblity. My mom has a focus and has had problems with it. The nissan seems like a better option.

Hyundai is not an option. Call me a snob.

How is the reliablity on used VWs? Are the TDIs any more reliable? (must check this out)
 
J

Jfrag Teh Foul

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
3,146
0
0
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Jfrag
Mini! :D

At least that is going to be my next commuter car.

They start out around 16k and if you get a decent trade you could get around the price tag you're looking to spend.
Click to expand...

Great now NFS4's radar is going off and he'll be here at any minute ... red alert red alert!

:D
Click to expand...

:D GO MINI!!! :D
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,942
403
136
Originally posted by: SCSIfreek
Read Rossman's Signature :) that Accord LX fits the budget. :)
Click to expand...

If I were him I'd buy the Accord LX but it is $444 over $15k plus taxes/license/title/fees and I think he wants a compact not a mid sized sedan.
 
R

rubenswm

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2000
1,871
0
76
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Late 90s Volkswagen Jetta GLX-VR6 or pre-owned late-model Jetta turbo. You can find a GREAT one for under $15k. :)

Try this on for size- I'd rather get the 1.8T for sure, and with a black leather interior, but that's just me. Hunt for new-style Jettas with 1.8Ts and you'll be very satisfied.
Click to expand...


Or you can cut the crap, and buy a real car, like an Acura Integra.. :) test drive it and you will know what I'm talking about.
 
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